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synth from “no cars go” by arcade fire | ToneDB

no cars go

arcade fire

synth

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Tone Profile

A majestic and raw, organ-like sound with a bright, reedy character and spacious ambiance. It evokes a sense of grand, hopeful urgency, driven by its distinctive tape delay and spring reverb.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha YC-45D Combo Organ

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb (or similar clean/slightly driven guitar amp)

Microphone: Shure SM57 (or Sennheiser MD421)

Processing: Roland RE-201 Space Echo (Tape Delay), Roland RE-201 Space Echo (Spring Reverb), Light Guitar Amp Overdrive

Other: The organ was played through a guitar amp, then miked. The Space Echo unit provided both delay and reverb. The recording took place in a church, contributing natural room ambiance to the sound.

Recording Notes

  • The main riff is played on a Yamaha YC-45D combo organ, a key part of Régine Chassagne's setup.
  • The organ signal was routed through a guitar amplifier, which was then miked, adding warmth and character.
  • A Roland RE-201 Space Echo was integral for providing its signature tape delay and spring reverb.
  • The album 'Neon Bible' was famously recorded in a converted church in Farnham, Quebec, and its natural acoustics significantly influenced the spaciousness of the recordings.
  • The sound is bright and cuts through the mix, but also has a vintage, slightly gritty texture.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a combo organ emulation (like Arturia Combo V or similar) or a synth patch designed to mimic bright organ drawbars.
  • Route this sound through a guitar amp simulator. A Fender Twin Reverb model is a good starting point; experiment with driving it slightly for warmth.
  • Use a tape delay emulation (like UAD RE-201, Arturia Delay TAPE-201, or Soundtoys EchoBoy) with settings that provide clear, rhythmic repeats and a touch of flutter/wow.
  • Add a spring reverb, ideally one that models the character of the RE-201's built-in reverb. If your tape delay plugin doesn't include it, use a separate spring reverb plugin.
  • EQ to taste: boost upper-mids for presence and clarity, and gently roll off excessive low-end to prevent muddiness.
  • Consider the stereo field; while the original might have benefited from the church's width, you can use stereo placement of the delay/reverb or subtle panning to achieve a wide sound.

Sources